Updated

Updated · ZDNet · Jun 18

ZDNET Picks 5 Garmin Smartwatches for Prime Day as Amazon’s 4-Day Sale Starts June 23

Updated

Updated · ZDNet · Jun 18

ZDNET Picks 5 Garmin Smartwatches for Prime Day as Amazon’s 4-Day Sale Starts June 23

Q: With new models just released, will Garmin's Prime Day deals clear old inventory or discount the latest tech?

Garmin’s Prime Day deals are likely to do both, but the biggest value will probably be on slightly older models rather than the newest releases. The sales coverage points to discounts across Garmin’s lineup, including current premium watches such as the Forerunner 970, Fenix 8, Venu 4 and Vivoactive 6. Some reports describe these as rare price cuts on top-tier devices, suggesting Amazon is not limiting promotions to aging stock. That matters because Garmin’s newer watches usually hold their prices well. At the same time, the stronger markdowns appear more likely on models that have just been superseded or are one generation back. Recent launches, including the Forerunner 70 and 170 series, create the usual retail pressure to move predecessors such as the Forerunner 55, 265 and 965, as well as older Vivoactive and Fenix variants. That fits the broader Prime Day pattern, where brands and sellers use the event to clear inventory while still advertising a few headline deals on newer products. For shoppers, the practical takeaway is that the deepest percentage discounts will probably be on older but still highly capable Garmin watches, while the latest tech may see smaller, less common cuts. If you want the newest features, Prime Day could still offer a worthwhile break on models like the Forerunner 970 or Fenix 8. If value matters more than having the latest release, the best buys are likely to be last-generation devices verified against price-history tools.

Q: As Amazon's AI personalizes deals, how can you tell a true bargain from a cleverly marketed one?

A true bargain is one that is low against the item’s real recent selling price, not just against a flashy “was” price or an AI-tailored recommendation. The best defense is price history. Amazon now shows 30-, 90- and, in some regions, 365-day price history on product pages and through Alexa for Shopping. Ask whether the item is at its lowest price recently, or check the chart directly. If a Prime Day “deal” is just back to a price it hits every few weeks, it is marketing, not a standout bargain. Cross-check outside Amazon. Tools such as Keepa and CamelCamelCamel, plus comparison sites like Google Shopping, idealo or Geizhals, show whether Amazon’s price actually beats the wider market. Experienced deal editors also rely on historical pricing data, not headline discounts, and often define a good deal as the lowest price in at least three months. Look at total value, not just the discount badge. Shipping costs, delivery speed, seller reputation, reviews, return policy and warranty matter. A slightly higher price from a trusted seller can be the better buy. Be especially cautious with unknown brands, generic accessories and lightning deals that create urgency but may rely on inflated reference prices. The simplest test is practical: buy items you already planned to purchase, such as household essentials, or products that were previously out of budget. If Amazon’s AI “personalized” a deal for something you did not need, the savings may be clever targeting rather than real value.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 18

Five Garmin models made ZDNET’s Prime Day recommendation list ahead of Amazon’s June 23-26 sale, spanning athletes, outdoor users and first-time smartwatch buyers.
Garmin’s appeal is price as much as performance: the Forerunner 970 gets a nod for 15-day battery life, the Fenix 8 for premium ruggedness near $1,000, and the Venu line for cheaper everyday tracking.
The clearest live deal is on the Instinct 3, discounted by $150 to $300, while the Venu 3S is highlighted as a smaller alternative to the Venu 4.
ZDNET frames Prime Day as one of four major Amazon sales periods each year and says it vets discounts with price trackers, urging shoppers to target needed items rather than flashy impulse buys.